Have you ever considered using Windows to create an iOS mobile application?
The answer to that will probably be a resounding NO, but let’s go on and learn how to create an iOS app on Windows because things have changed.
Xcode, the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that we use to design and create iOS apps, is the primary obstacle preventing you from developing iOS apps on Windows.
A swift compiler, an interface builder, and other necessary tools for publishing your program to the app store are included with Xcode.
Currently, Xcode has all the necessary components for creating an iOS application.
Its compatibility with Mac OS X (formerly known as Mac OS) is the sole drawback.
Another problem is that, in contrast to Windows, Apple does not permit licensing its operating system to other manufacturers, thus you cannot purchase a PC running Mac OS.
You may license an OS X to be used only on Apple devices when you buy it.
This restricts you to creating Mac-only applications.
The Best 8 Ways to Use a Windows Computer to develop an iOS App
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1. Install Mac OS on Your Windows Computer Using Virtualbox
With the use of a virtual machine, creating iOS applications on Windows is the fastest process.
Any operating system may operate in a virtual machine’s environment as if it were running on the same hardware.
Because it enables you to run Windows on Linux and even OS X, this feature is known as virtualization.
You need two items in order to run Mac OS in a virtual machine:
• An installer or virtual image file replicating OS X.
• A virtual machine tool, such as VMware or VirtualBox.
An additional copy of OS X is available for download from the App Store.
Additionally, installers from various sources are available online.
Recall that it is against Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA) to use Mac OS on non-Apple hardware.
2. Lease a Mac Online
Although it will be significantly more costly, renting a Mac in the cloud is a lot easier way to get OS X.
Mac-in-Cloud and Mac-Stadium are two services that provide reasonably priced rent-a-Mac goods.
A Remote Desktop Connection may be used to establish a connection with those cloud-based Macs (RDP).
You can use the built-in Remote Desktop feature of Windows and most Linux operating systems.
You may install Xcode and your iOS app development services after logging in.
3. Construct a Custom “Hackintosh”
Installing OS X on a Windows computer may be the most obvious option for iOS app development services on a Windows computer.
Apple fans have long appreciated the company’s integrated design, interconnection, and user experience.
A PC running Mac OS is called a Hackintosh. Installing OS X on a virtual machine is similar to installing it on a computer as an OS X bootable image.
4. Use Cross-Platform Tools to Create iOS Apps on Windows
Cross-platform development tools are fantastic: you just need to write code once to export your application to both iOS and Android.
That may reduce the time and expense of developing your application by half.
With a few cross-platform tools, you can build the program if there’s a Mac on your network or generate iOS apps on a Windows computer.
The claim that cross-platform app development tools are less “smart” than their equivalents and only provide limited access to and support for smartphone hardware is one that is often made against them.
Keep in mind that any cross-platform tool will eventually need you to write platform-specific code, especially if you need to provide new functionality.
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5. Write Swift code Sandbox
Since Swift is an open-source language, it may be used on any kind of hardware.
As a result, if the language has been transferred to Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, you may also execute it in your browser.
With Swift Sandbox, you may study the language and write code with it without a Mac or XCode.
Swift Sandbox sends code to a web server once it has been executed. After compiling the code, the webserver will return the outcome.
As a result, if the language has been transferred to Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, you may also execute it in your browser.
6. Make use of Unity3D
Unity is a robust integrated development environment (IDE) that functions as a game development engine for Windows, iOS, Android, and several more platforms.
But it’s also a great choice to build non-gaming apps via its robust features and lightning-fast development pace.
Unity’s “Cloud Build” feature provides a simple to develop iOS apps on Mac.
Joining the Unity cloud deploy and becoming an iTunes developer makes it easy to set up, design, and build apps for iOS devices.
With a free editor, it is conceivable to construct a smartphone app from scratch for development and delivery on Window.
All you need to complete the project is a Mac!
7. Xamarin Utilizing the Hybrid Framework
Hybrid frameworks provide an affordable alternative to Cloud Mac for iOS development on Windows.
The majority of developers say that Xamarin delivers true native output, thus they trust it.
Its code is done in C#. With the help of this feature-rich platform, you can create and assemble iOS applications from Windows and then send them to iOS devices.
The only thing that requires a Mac and is not possible with Windows is submitting an application to the app store.
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8. In an environment with React Native
A popular cross-platform tool for iOS development on Windows, React Native is built on Javascript.
It is a well-liked tool among developers because of its many great features and short learning curve.
It is feasible to build an iOS application in Windows by using the Android emulator and configuring Mac OS deployment machines.
You may use the Expo simulator, which is available for iOS and Android, to view the results.
In summary
These options are just what you need if you wanted to start creating on iOS and the lack of a Mac OS was holding you back.
Developers all across the globe have tried and tested them as alternatives to directly creating on Mac, even if they could be a bit more involved.